The average cost per watt of installing a solar power system ranges between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt. A 12kW solar system costs around $30,000 to $35,000, excluding rebates and incentives. The costs, however, depend on various factors like location, solar panel type and efficiency, vendor, and installation complexity. Also, rebates and incentives may save you up to $10,000-$12,000, depending on where you live.
Even after the rebates, the incurred costs might be overbearing for many. So, you can opt for solar generators by Jackery that provide enough power to make your living comfortable, even during power outages or chilly winters. Besides that, its installation is not needed, is portable, and helps reduce the carbon footprint.
Key Takeaways
- The average 12kW solar system costs around $30,000 to $35,000, excluding incentives or rebates.
- The components of a 12kW solar system include solar panels, a charge controller, an inverter, a mounting structure, cables, and a battery bank for storing energy.
- Prices of a solar system vary with location, type, and efficiency of solar panels, installation complexity, and house energy needs.
- An average US homeowner will save between $700 and $1,200 every quarterly bill by installing a 12kW solar system.
What is the Average 12kW Solar System Cost?
The average cost of a 12kW solar system stays between $30,000 and $35,000 before any incentives and rebates. This price includes equipment, installation, and other costs. Remember, there’s a 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit, so the effective price stays around $21,000 and $24,500. Solar and local solar rebates and incentives can cut those costs even further.
Components of a 12kW Solar System
A 12kW solar system typically consists of solar panels, a charge controller, an inverter, mounting structure, cables, and a battery bank for storing energy. These are explained as follows:
Solar Panels: These are the primary components of a solar system and convert sunlight into DC electricity. Depending on the individual wattage of the panels, a 12kW system would need a certain number of panels to deliver the required output.
Charge Controller: Also known as a charge regulator, it regulates the current between solar panels and the battery. Its primary task is to maintain an optimal flow and prevent overcharging and potential battery damage.
Inverter: This device converts the DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity. Then, it passes the current to the main power grid to keep home appliances running.
Mounting Structure: It securely holds the solar panels to the ground or roof and ensures their proper orientation toward the sun. In other words, it ensures that sunlight falls properly on the panels and converts it into usable electricity.
Cables: You’ll see two types of cables in a solar system: AC and DC cables. The latter carries DC electricity from solar panels to the charge controller, while the former carries electricity from the inverter to the electric grid.
Battery Bank (Optional): It’s a part of an off-grid solar system that stores the energy it generates. This can be an emergency source to power your household appliances when the sun is not shining.
12kW Solar System Costs: Detailed Breakdown
As of 2025, the average cost of a 12kW solar system ranges between $30,000 and $35,000, excluding incentives and rebates. Other than the 30% federal tax rebate, there are other incentives like property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and others, which vary from state to state. Other than the rebates, many factors can significantly vary the prices of solar systems:
Location: How much does a 12kW solar system costs is determined by two location-based factors: the amount of sunlight you receive and electricity costs in your area. In certain states like California, Hawaii, and New York, the electricity rates are a bit high, so going solar saves a large chunk every month. Besides, states Arizona and New Mexico receive up to 8 peak sun hours, so you’ll need fewer panels there.
Panel Quality and Type: The equipment and solar panel costs probably encompass the major chunk of your investment. Prices vary from one manufacturer to another and the type. There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, thin-film, and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, hence the costliest, followed by polycrystalline, and thin-film.
Installation: The installation costs vary from one vendor to another due to the varying labor costs. Roof/ground type, height, and pitch can influence the costs. Any installation complexities or difficult-to-access locations may incur additional expenses.
Solar System Size: The cost of a solar system is directly proportional to its size. The more solar panels you need to power your home appliances, the more expensive your solar system will be. The cost also depends on roof size and angle, location, and energy usage.
House Energy Needs: A typical US household consumes around 889kWh of energy monthly and 10,791kWh yearly. However, the numbers vary with your home size, number of people, and available appliances.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much a 12kW solar systems installations cost:
|
Component |
Estimated Cost Range |
|
Solar Panels |
$16,000 - $18,000 |
|
Mounting Hardware |
$3,000 - $3,500 |
|
Inverters |
$3,500 - $4,500 |
|
Installation Labor |
$5,500 - $6,000 |
|
Permits and Inspection Fees |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
|
Miscellaneous |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
|
Total |
$30,000-$35,000 |
Unlike this, with Jackery Solar Generators, you avoid installation, mounting hardware, permit, and inspection fees. That is, you save around 30% of the total cost incurred on the solar power system. Besides, these are reliable and also suitable for your off-grid living.
12kW Solar System with Battery Storage Cost
A 12kW solar system with battery storage typically costs between $42,000 and $53,000. It costs you around $12,000 and $18,000 extra, considering the typical battery cost is around $1,000 to $1,500 per kWh. With a 30% federal tax credit applied, the solar system would cost you between $29,000 and $37,000. Look for state-wise incentives to bring the price further down.
A few other factors influence the cost when you add battery storage to your 12kW solar system, which is:
Battery Type: The type of battery also dictates the total 12kW solar system cost you incur. Two of the most popular battery types are lead-acid and lithium-ion. The former is cheaper in comparison and is common in most solar system installations. However, it isn’t very efficient, as its longevity demands regular maintenance.
On the other hand, a Li-ion battery is more efficient. It charges faster, requires less maintenance, has better capacity, and a greater depth of discharge (80%). However, it costs more than lead-acid batteries.
Brand: Batteries from certain brands cost more with the offered superior quality and the faith that comes with the brand names. Many reliable yet affordable batteries are out there, and you can opt for them as well.
Inverter Type: The cost of batteries also varies with the type of inverter installed in your solar system. If you don’t have a battery-ready hybrid inverter, the cost will be significantly high as you need to invest in a brand-new inverter. You may also get around with additional wiring and minor changes, but it’s subjective to the inverter type.
What Does a Residential 12kW Solar System Cost?
The average cost per watt for residential solar installations in the US ranges between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt. So, a 12kW solar system would cost you between $30,000 and $40,000, excluding the rebates and incentives.
|
Type of 12kW solar systems |
Costs |
|
Grid-Tie Roof Top System |
$25,080 |
|
Off-Grid Roof Top System |
$37,320 |
|
Hybrid Roof Top System |
$59,280 |
However, the prices vary due to multiple factors like location, component and installation costs, labor, and others.
Jackery Solar System Cost for Home
Jackery is a leading solar brand that offers high-quality foldable solar panels, solar generators, and portable power stations. If you find the cost of installing the solar system a bit overboard and need a system that powers most of your home appliances, Jackery Solar Generators might be a good choice.
A combination of Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and Jackery Portable Power Stations, these work as off-grid solar power stations and convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity. The best part of these generators is their ergonomic design and portability, and they pack enough power to keep you comfortable during power outages and blackouts.
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is amongst the most trusted emergency power backup solutions. There is enough power to keep most of your appliances charged during a power outage. Its 12 output ports allow you to simultaneously power multiple appliances, such as refrigerators, TVs, electric blankets, and lights. Despite its large capacity, its ergonomic design with pull rods and wheels ensures easy movement from one location to another. All of these come at $4,999, which is much less than similar-capacity solar power systems.
Appliances Running Time:
- Central Air-Conditioner (3000W): 1.3H
- Space Heater (1800W): 2.2H
- Refrigerator (800W): 5.0H
- Coffee Maker (1500W): 2.7H
- Microwave (1200W): 3.4H
Customer Review:
“I bought this as a backup power option for power outages. This is an absolute beast of a home battery supply. The Jackery 5000 Plus is a powerful and versatile power station with a 5040Wh capacity and 7200W output, making it perfect for a variety of needs.”- Kendra
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh)
Large houses and businesses with multiple heavy-duty appliances or higher power requirements can consider the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh). Priced at $3,299, its high battery capacity can power most appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters, microwaves, etc., for long hours. Whether you are preparing for a power outage, want to stay warm during chilly winters, or are looking for a home backup solution, it’s worth relying on.
Appliance Running Time:
- Dishwasher (1600W): 3.1H
- Coffee Maker (1500W): 3.3H
- Microwave (1200W): 4.1H
- Space Heater (1800W): 2.7H
- Central Air Conditioner (3000W): 1.6H
Customer Review:
“We've had three power outages this year and have been able to keep the refrigerator, TV, and the fan on our wood stove going. We just purchased another 2000 plus and two add-on battery packs.”- Caroline Castle.
How Much Can I Save With a 12kW Solar Power System?
An average US homeowner will save between $700 and $1,200 every quarterly bill, or around $4,500 annually. However, the numbers vary on multiple factors: your location, electricity rates in your area, and installation costs.
Let’s assume you stay in California, which receives around 7 peak sun hours daily. So, a 12kW solar power system produces = 12kW × 7 = 84kWh in a day and 2520kWh in a month.
Now, considering the average electricity price in California is 32.68 cents/kWh, your daily savings account to = Total energy generated × Electricity prices per kWh = 2,520 × 0.32 = $800 per month.
The calculation is performed considering you consume 2,520kWh of electricity every month. To obtain the actual value, use the formula:
Appliance wattage (W) x Usage hours per day = Watt-hours (Wh) per day
Appliance wattage is the sum of the wattage of appliances in your house. So, consider that you have a refrigerator (800W), dishwasher (1600W), central AC (3000W), and microwave (1200W).
The sum of wattages or total wattage consumption stands at 6,600W. Let’s assume they run for around 10 hours a day, So Wh = 6,600W x 10H = 66,000Wh or 66kWh.
Total Savings = 66kWh × 0.32 = $21.12 per day or $633.6 per month.
12kW Solar System Cost FAQs
What is the cost of a complete 12kw solar system in Michigan?
On average, a complete 12kW solar system in Michigan would cost between $31,000 and $42,000, excluding any incentives. You can save a few thousand dollars with 30% federal tax credits and solar energy facility exemption in Michigan.
How much electricity will a 12 kW solar system produce?
The amount of electricity a 12kW solar system produces depends on location, peak sun hours, and inclination. Considering the sun falls directly on the panels for them to function optimally and receive around 6 peak sun hours, the amount of electricity = 12kW × 6 = 72kWh.
How much does a 12 kW solar system cost in my state?
The cost of a 12kW solar system depends on the region, installer, and the available incentives. For example, Arizona has a handful of incentives to increase your energy cost savings, so contacting the respective department is crucial.
What impacts the cost of your solar panel system?
Multiple factors, such as the system size, the type and efficiency of solar panels, and installation costs, primarily impact the solar panel system costs. In addition, incentives and rebates in your area also influence the costs.
Will a 12kW solar system cover all my electricity needs?
A 12kW solar power system is likely to cover most, if not all of your household electricity needs. However, it depends entirely on energy consumption and the system's efficiency.
Conclusion
The 12kW solar system costs can be high, therefore, you must weigh factors like location, roof space, energy usage, and more. The research can take a lot of time, and the chances of errors are high without expert assistance. You can also invest in a reliable and efficient Jackery Solar Generator that can power your household appliances for extended hours. Besides, they don’t need any installations and are a much more affordable option than traditional solar power systems.
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